Naval Medical Research Center Supports Marine Recruits During Pandemic

A poolee is medically screened at The Citadel, a public military college temporarily used to stage poolees for a 14-day observation period in Charleston, S.C., May 4, 2020. The Citadel will facilitate the continuation of the Marine Corps’ mission of making Marines while enhancing staging capabilities for Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island in response to COVID-19. (Photo By: Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Rebecca Floto)

Specifically, the CHARM study addresses scientific questions that will assist in increasing medical readiness by creating the right scientific approach to answer those questions, deploying the field laboratory infrastructure, ethically and appropriately enrolling volunteer participants, safely obtaining and processing samples and sharing data to meet the mission.

The CHARM study seeks to identify those who are infected with COVID-19 even if they have few or no symptoms as well measure weekly antibody production for those with more severe symptoms. This allows for the immediate implementation of public health measures to limit the spread of the infection.

The study should also provide a better understanding of the basic immune response of the body in different people to assess why some individuals get very sick while others do not realize they are infected. Finally, the study looks to identify a measurable indicator, or ''immunity passport,'' that can be calculated to safely return recruits and Marines back to the fight even if they are re-exposed to the infection.

Goforth is the researcher responsible for explaining the study to potential participants and ensuring they have full understanding when they consent to participate, collecting biological specimens, conducting data analysis and assisting with field laboratory operations.

As of May 10, the CHARM study had enrolled more than 450 volunteer participants and was at the forefront of all Defense Department's recruit training efforts to study COVID-19 in this unique environment while providing an immediate positive impact on force health protection.

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